Fall in the St. Louis Area

Balloon Race, Beer and Food Tastings Top List

There's a lot of support for that old saying, "The best things in life are free," in the St. Louis area in the fall. In addition to top attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and the Science Center that are open year-round, there are also free special events at special times of the year. Here are some top experiences to try in the fall in the St. Louis area.

The St. Louis Symphony brings its star-quality music to Art Hill in Forest Park for a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2017. The packed program includes works of Mozart, Brahms, Stravinsky, Bernstein, Williams, and Sousa. Plus "The Star-Spangled Banner" to start things off. The concert ends with a literal bang in the form of a big fireworks display. Bring a picnic to munch on and a blanket to sit on under the stars.

The most spectacular event in the fall in St. Louis is the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. It's happening on Sept. 15 and 16, 2017, on Art Hill in Forest Park. The event starts off with the Balloon Glow at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15. On Sept. 16, the event area opens at noon, with the launch of the hot-air balloons starting at 4:30 p.m. Even if you don't go to Forest Park for this event, you can see the magnificent sight of hot-air balloons floating above St. Louis all across the area.

Shakespeare comes to downtown St. Louis during this year's Shakespeare in the Streets. You'll be treated to an adaptation of "King Lear" by Nancy Bell, the festival's playwright-in-residence, based on a theme that resonates for the city of St. Louis. Check out this unique event on Sept. 15, 16, and 17, 2017, at the Central Library of the St. Louis Public Library downtown.

See a free showing of "Angry Birds" on the big outdoor screen at Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis on Sept. 18, 2017. Pre-movie festivities start at 6 p.m., with the movie starting at 7 p.m. No need to bring snacks; the Dugout Bar will offer food and drinks, just like a theater concession.

The St. Louis Art Fair fills the streets of Clayton every fall with original art of all kinds and restaurants to check out as you stroll through the fair, and live entertainment to enjoy. It's happening Sept. 8, 9, and 10, 2017, in the heart of Clayton.

At this tasting event put on by the Schlafly Tap Room in downtown St. Louis, you can try more than 40 different beers brewed by this St. Louis craft beer brewery. So get thirsty on Sept. 16, 2017, and check it out anytime from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you get hungry, order up lunch or dinner at the bar or dining room of this iconic St. Louis pub.

Check out the St. Louis area's best restaurants on Restaurant Row and with a soundtrack in the background of great local musicians performing blues, rock, jazz, pop, soul, funk, bluegrass, and Americana. The music goes on the entire time the event is open, and all concerts are free and performed on the concert stage across from Restaurant Row. You won't get free food at the restaurants (of course not), but entering Taste of St. Louis is free. The event runs Sept. 15, 16, and 17, 2017, in Chesterfield.